The role of the prison in the war against terrorism and the treatment of suspects held there was a continuing controversy during the Bush administration. During his campaign, Barack Obama repeatedly pledged to close it if elected president.

Now, Obama has set a goal of shuttering the facility in Cuba within a year. And a large part of Holder's visit there on Monday will involve discussions with officials about detention and interrogation practices.

No news reporters accompanied Holder on the flight, and it wasn't clear whether any of his visit there would be open to press coverage.